Author: Akintayo Adams

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed a monitoring team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The attack occurred on Monday while the team was inspecting the National Grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State. NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale revealed that they had mobilized the team of nine officers and 71 other ranks to respond to recent attacks on power lines, which had caused a blackout in northern Nigeria. The ambush happened as the operatives patrolled vulnerable areas and inspected the grid installation. “As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they…

Rafael Nadal lost to Botic Van de Zandschulp in his last match at the Davis Cup Finals with scores of 6-4, 6-4. This put the Netherlands 1-0 ahead in their quarter-final tie against Spain. It was only Nadal’s second Davis Cup defeat in singles, the first being on his debut against the Czech Republic in 2004. “The titles, numbers—they’re there. People probably know that,” Nadal said after the game. “The way I’d like to be remembered more is like a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slams during his career, helped Spain win…

The naira has appreciated against the dollar in the official foreign exchange market for the first time since last week. According to FMDQ data, the naira strengthened to N1,678.93 per dollar on Tuesday, up from N1,690.37 on Monday, marking an appreciation of N11.77. This is the first time the naira has appreciated at the official market since November 13, 2024, when it closed at N1,645. Meanwhile, the exchange rate in the black market remained unchanged at N1,745 per dollar on Tuesday, the same rate as on Monday. This occurs as FX transaction turnover decreased to $173.14 million on Monday, down…

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on postings for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to private sector organizations, including banks and oil and gas companies. This new directive, announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation Course. The policy change aims to combat youth unemployment and enhance job market preparedness by allowing corps members to gain relevant experience in their fields of study. Previously, NYSC postings were restricted to sectors such as education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. The memo read in parts, “There is…

Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for workers in Osun State. The Osun NLC chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday. The statement said,”The Organised Labour in Osun State and the Government, after exhaustive deliberations, have decided on N75,000.00 as the new minimum wage in Osun State.” This decision comes as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of its civil servants and ensure fair compensation in light of the rising cost of living. This move aligns with the federal…

President Bola Tinubu has written to the National Assembly, seeking approval for a new external borrowing plan amounting to N1.767 trillion (approximately $2.209 billion). This request is part of the 2024 appropriation act and aims to address the budget deficit of N9.7 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year. The president’s letter, read during a plenary session, also included the submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2025-2027. These documents outline the fiscal parameters and assumptions for the upcoming budget and emphasize the need for swift legislative action. If approved, the loan will be used…

Donald Trump is set to recognize Somaliland, a former British protectorate, as an official country, according to former UK Defence Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson. Williamson, who has been lobbying the president-elect, revealed that he has held talks with Trump’s team about the recognition of Somaliland, which holds a crucial strategic position on the Red Sea. Williamson expressed confidence that the new president would address the issue once he assumes office in January. The former Tory cabinet minister has been a leading advocate for the official recognition of Somaliland, which has effectively been independent from Somalia since 1991. Get instant and…

Ukraine has launched its first American-supplied long-range missile strike against Russian forces, as confirmed by Moscow. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, Ukraine fired six U.S.-made ATACMs missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region. The ministry reported that it successfully shot down five of the missiles and damaged one. While the use of the missiles was also mentioned in Ukrainian media, Ukraine has not officially commented on the strike. This development follows President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike targets hundreds of miles inside Russia for the first time. In a related move, President Vladimir Putin has signed…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding the conditions under which Moscow can use nuclear weapons. Related || Biden approves Ukraine’s use of Long-Range Missiles for strikes inside Russia This move comes on the 1,000th day of Russia’s offensive on Ukraine and follows the United States’ decision to allow Kyiv to use long-range missiles to strike military targets inside Russia. The new doctrine states that Russia will consider using nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state if they are supported by nuclear powers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that “aggression by a non-nuclear state with the participation of a…

Nigerian music executive Don Jazzy has shared his feelings about his current relationship status. On Monday, Don Jazzy revealed his wish to join in on the ‘suspect challenge’ trend on his Instagram page. The ‘suspect challenge’ is a popular new online trend where couples humorously tease each other by taking turns. The 41-year-old Mavins record label boss stated that he would like to join the trend but has no partner. He said; “Suspect wants to do a suspect challenge but no suspect partner.” Accompanying the post Don Jazzy wrote “it hurts”. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google…